Property tax assessments can sometimes feel unfair or inaccurate, leaving you with a higher tax bill than you think is justified. Fortunately, in Texas, you have the right to appeal your property tax assessment if you believe it’s too high. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process.
Understanding Property Tax Assessments
Your property tax assessment is the value assigned to your property by your local appraisal district. This value is used to calculate your property taxes. If you feel that the assessed value is higher than the market value of your property, you may have grounds for an appeal.
Reasons to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment
There are several valid reasons to appeal your property tax assessment, including:
- Overvaluation: If you believe your property’s assessed value is higher than its fair market value, you can appeal.
- Unequal Appraisal: If you believe your property is assessed at a higher value than similar properties in your area, you can appeal based on unequal appraisal.
- Incorrect Information: If the appraisal district has incorrect information about your property, such as the square footage or number of bedrooms, you can appeal to have it corrected.
How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment in Texas
The process for appealing your property tax assessment in Texas generally involves the following steps:
- Receive Your Notice of Appraised Value: You will receive a Notice of Appraised Value from your local appraisal district. This notice will inform you of the assessed value of your property and the deadline to file an appeal.
- File a Notice of Protest: If you decide to appeal, you must file a Notice of Protest with the appraisal district by the deadline. You can use the appraisal district’s form or submit a written notice.
- Gather Evidence: Gather evidence to support your appeal, such as recent sales of comparable properties, an independent appraisal, or documentation of any errors in the appraisal district’s records.
- Attend an Informal Meeting (Optional): You may have the opportunity to meet with an appraiser from the appraisal district to discuss your concerns and potentially resolve the issue without a formal hearing.
- Attend the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) Hearing: If the issue is not resolved informally, you will have a hearing before the Appraisal Review Board. Present your evidence and arguments to the ARB.
- Receive the ARB Decision: The ARB will issue a decision, either upholding the original assessment, lowering the assessment, or raising the assessment.
- Appeal to District Court or Binding Arbitration (if applicable): If you are not satisfied with the ARB’s decision, you may have the option to appeal further to district court or through binding arbitration, depending on the circumstances.
Should You Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment?
Appealing your property tax assessment can be a worthwhile endeavor if you believe your property has been overvalued. However, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits against the time and effort involved in the process. If the potential tax savings are significant, it may be worth pursuing an appeal.
Consider the Experts at Hegwood
If you’re unsure about the process or need assistance building a strong case, consider seeking help from a property tax consultant like the Hegwood Group. We can provide expert guidance and representation throughout the appeal process.
Remember, understanding the process and being prepared are key to a successful property tax appeal. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified professional.
